Eight people are dead and a suspect is “down” following a Northern California shooting, according to authorities.
Police responded to the shooting in San Jose after shots were first reported at 6:34 a.m. local time on Wednesday. The incident took place near the VTA light rail yard and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. The facility has been evacuated.
Multiple fatalities and injuries were reported, Deputy Russell Davis, the public information officer for the Santa Clara County sheriff’s department, said during a press conference. Officials, while fielding questions from reporters, declined to share most details but confirmed the shooter was a male.
Eight people died in the shooting, Davis revealed during a follow-up press conference, adding that law enforcement received a warning that there were explosives inside the building. The bomb squad is investigating the report.
The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Samuel Cassidy, allegedly set his house of fire before driving to a Valley Transportation Authority union meeting, which is when he opened fire, according to the Los Angeles Times. Sources told the outlet that Cassidy was a maintenance worker at VTA.
Just after 8 a.m., the sheriff’s office tweeted that the shooter was “down.”
Several people are being treated, according to San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. The extent of the injuries are unknown.
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“Deputies currently on scene for an active shooter investigation in the area of 100 W. Younger Ave. SJ,” the sheriff’s office tweeted earlier in the morning. “Please stay away from the area. More info to follow.”
